‘somewhere between calabria and corfu the blue really begin s…you are aware of a change in the heart of things: aware of the horizon begin ning to stain at the rim of the world: aware of islands coming out of the darkness to meet you’.
so begin s lawrence durrell’s 1945 ode to corfu, prospero’s cell. even today, visitors to the island often arrive by sea, approaching from italy in the west, of the greek mainland in the east.
emerging in the early morning sunshine, the pastel-hued houses above corfu town’s old port are a jumble of slim tiers with narrow passages running between them, made brilliant with washing hung out to dry from every balcony like festive bunting. the tall venetian mansions display ancient coats of coloured paint, blurred by successive winters and giving visitors to the town the feeling of stepping into a watercolour painting.
corfu has rightfully earner the title of the music capital of greece because of its hundreds of music associations and dozens of orchestras, bands, opera music events a tradition dating back to 400 years of venetian rule of the island.
the town is centred on a wide tree-lined esplanade called the spianada, whose french arcades echo the rue de rivoli. a drop of britishness is to be found on the noble sweep of this square, which is transformed into a cricket pitch throughout the summer – the world’s only working sports field within a unesco world heritage site.
meanwhile , the corfiot countryside boasts elegiac greenery, unrivalled across greece and contrasting remarkably with the solemn barrenness of the aegean. bathed in brilliant white sunlight throughout the summer months, the winter rains ensure a sublime frondescence across the island, with the inland valleys thickly carpeted with wildflowers, studded with gnarled olive trees and dense groves of stiffly swaying cypresses.
set on a verdant hillside above the western coast of corfu, evadne occupies a 5,000 sqm plot that descends gently towards the ionian sea. surrounded by mature mediterranean vegetation and facing open water from every level, the property enjoys a strong connection to its coastal setting, with a private path leading directly from the grounds to a secluded sandy beach below.
completed in 2021, the residence has been conceived as a contemporary home that responds carefully to the landscape around it. natural stone, expansive glazing and clean horizontal lines allow the architecture to integrate comfortably into the hillside while maintaining uninterrupted sea views throughout the interior. arranged across three levels, the house is oriented entirely towards the coastline, capturing the changing light and colour of the ionian from morning through to sunset.
arrival takes place on the upper level, where the principal living areas open directly towards the sea. large glazed openings create a seamless relationship between the interior spaces and the terraces beyond, while a restrained palette of stone, timber and soft neutral finishes reinforces the calm atmosphere of the house. the proportions remain generous throughout, with every space designed to maintain a visual connection to the landscape and water beyond.
the central level forms the heart of the residence, where double-height volumes and full-height glazing draw natural light deep into the interiors. three en suite bedrooms are positioned on this floor, each opening towards private outdoor areas and uninterrupted coastal views. the layout balances openness with privacy, ensuring that every room remains connected to the setting while retaining its own sense of retreat.
the lower level provides additional accommodation together with dedicated wellness and fitness facilities. a separate guest residence is positioned closer to the shoreline, approximately 20 metres from the sea, creating an independent space that enjoys both privacy and direct proximity to the water.
outdoor spaces unfold naturally across the hillside, following the contours of the land rather than imposing upon them. broad terraces extend towards the sea, while the elevated position preserves open views across the ionian and the surrounding coastline. the setting remains notably private, with the natural topography and established vegetation creating a sense of seclusion despite the property′s direct relationship with the shore.
the combination of contemporary architecture, direct sea access and a carefully considered hillside position creates a residence that feels deeply connected to its surroundings. as the afternoon light moves across the western coastline, the sea becomes the defining feature of the view, stretching uninterrupted towards the horizon beyond.
eligible for the greek golden visa and non-dom programme.
